THE Liverpool International Tennis Tournament is set to be a record breaker.

Due to unprecedented demand from across the UK, tickets will officially go on sale today - a full month earlier than in 2005.

And as a result of heightened interest by both players and fans, an additional day has been added to the tournament making it a six day event.

Tickets can be purchased via www.liverpooltennis.co.uk/ or Ticketmaster and a 15% discount is available on all general admission tickets bought before March 1.

Tournament dates have been set for June 13-18 in Calderstones Park. Now in its fifth year, the tournament will boast a mix of tennis legends - Ilie Nastase and Henri Leconte are confirmed visitors again - with up and coming ATP talent.

With more than 40 matches being played over the six days, the event is being billed as the largest exhibition event in Europe.

Tournament Director Anders Borg said: "There is a real buzz about the 2006 tournament. We have already had an overwhelming amount of enquiries from the public regarding tickets and we urge people to book sooner rather than later to avoid disappointment.

"General admission tickets start from #10, concessions from #7 and family tickets are also available, the tournament is a great summer's day out for all the family."

Leader of Liverpool City Council, Councillor Warren Bradley, said: ''The Liverpool International is one of the great sporting success stories of the decade. It has continued to improve year on year, offering fans a unique spectacle in a unique setting - and an extra day of live international sport is a fantastic testimony to the way it has been managed.

"I'm not surprised at the record demand after last year's success. It is a tournament that is blossoming to rank alongside any in Europe and one which players and fans now look for in the sporting calendar. I'm proud that the city council is committed to strengthening its appeal to all ages."